Giddy up everyone - The Races are coming! This Wednesday the 15th of April, The SPIN Southwest Student Raceday is taking place, so it’s time to don your fanciest attire and place a few bets. You can expect great racing action, a chance to cheer on your chosen horse and hopefully collect some dollah bills. Off the track the fashion stakes are high with both guys and girls turning out in style to enjoy this fun event.
If it’s your first time heading to the races, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Top Ten Tips For Going To The Races and do the day in style.
1) Dress Code.
There is no dress code in Irish racing so you can dress up or dress down, shirt and tie, slacks, old dress, new dress, hat or not, jeans and t-shirt, it doesn't matter, just go. However, Student Race day is a great excuse to get dressed up so why not go all out?!
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2) Always check the weather.
Before leaving home, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast for the day - it is Ireland after all. Grab that umbrella if needs be. We wouldn't want your outfit to get ruined.
3) Pick up your daily paper.
It will have all the racing news and information you'll need and don't forget your good friend, the internet! It's packed with racing sites including www.limerickraces.ie or www.goracing.ie which will give you all the deets you need.
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4) Arrive early.
Gates open at 12pm with the first race at 2.15pm, so we advise you aim to get to the track at least an hour before racing starts. We wouldn't want you to miss out on any opportunities to eat, drink and generally be merry. You can also 'study the form' as they say so your bets are at least a little bit informed.
5) Buy a Racecard.
Don't know what that is? No worries. A Racecard has all the important stats for every race. It's basically a cheat sheet for the races, and who wouldn't want that!
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6) Check out the parade ring.
Not as odd as it sounds! 15 minutes before each race, the horses will circle the parade ring and you'll be able to get up close and personal to pick your winner. Fitness and well-being really count, so look closely!
7) Place a bet.
This is the most exciting part! Horse racing is exhilarating in itself, but putting a few euros on your favourite horse just adds to the thrill.
8) Don't just sit in the same place, go check out the view.
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You can watch the racing action from the viewing terrace in the main stand, from one of the many TV's throughout the enclosure or from the Festival marquee whilst dancing to some tunes. The view from the balcony high up in the Grandstands is also worth a visit, it gives you a different perspective of the action.
9) Join in the celebrations.
SPIN SouthWest will be broadcasting live with Eoghain Fitz on the day and a DJ will be spinning tunes in the festival marquee. After racing, Hot Fuss will take to the stage in the Tote Hall so you can dance the night away till late.
10) Don't end the party there!
Once the fun ends at Limerick Racecourse, it continues at one of the many after parties in Limerick city so don't miss out!
There will be 7 exhilarating National Hunt races on the day with lots of entertainment and fun to enjoy between races. The last race is at 5.35pm and the after racing party will take you into the night. The fun will continue late into the night in Limerick city with many venues putting on dedicated student race day events, including Crush87 and The Library bar. You know you don't want to miss the biggest student event in Ireland!
